Oprah Winfrey: 'It's time to say goodbye'

Talking on The Oprah Winfrey Show, the host said that she wanted to avoid "speculation" and "conjecture" in the press over the reasons behind the program's end.

Explaining that she had made the decision after "much prayer and months of careful thought", Winfrey began to cry as she said: "These years with you, the viewers, have enriched my life. You have graciously invited me into your living rooms, your kitchens and your lives. For some of you, you've literally grown up with me.

"Whether you've been with me from the beginning or you came on board last week, my relationship with you and your trust in me, the sharing of your precious time every day with me, brought me the greatest joy I have ever known."

Winfrey added that she still enjoys making the show, but continued: "So why walk away? Here is the real reason. I love this show. This show has been my life, and I love it enough to know when it's time to say goodbye.

"25 years feels right in my bones, it feels right in my spirit. It's the perfect number. The exact right time."

She concluded: "The countdown to the end of The Oprah Winfrey Show starts now, and until that day in 2011 when it ends, I intend to soak up every meaningful, joy-filled moment with you."

Meanwhile, The Hollywood Reporter claims that Winfrey's cable network OWN has a new launch date of January 2011.